Minera Cuzcatlán Gets Green Light; Orla Mining’s First Gold Bars

Minera Cuzcatlán finally receives a long-awaited mine expansion authorization from SEMARNAT after months of demands and audits from different government institutions. On the other hand, Orla Mining announced that the company poured its first three gold bars from its oxide mine in Zacatecas.

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SEMARNAT Authorizes San Jose Mine Expansion

Fortuna Silver Mines’ subsidiary Minera Cuzcatlán announced the expansion of the San Jose mine in Oaxaca after obtaining SEMARNAT’s approval. The process was overshadowed by demands from workers, nearby residents and other companies that claimed the mine complied with all environmental obligations. Fortuna Silver also explained that PROFEPA made 13 environmental audits in December, which the mine passed without receiving a single accusation of pollution or environmental damage. The original permit was granted by SEMARNAT to Minera Cuzcatlán in 2009 for construction, execution and maintenance of the mine until October 2021.

Orla Mining Pours First Three Gold Bars

Orla Mining announced that on Dec. 13, 2021, the company poured its first three gold bars from its oxide mine in Zacatecas. Jason Simpson, its President and CEO, highlighted that the achievement is a major milestone in the company’s rapid evolution that would not have been possible without the hard work of its entire team. The company expects more pours before the end of 2021 after its first three bars had a total weight of 1,278oz, containing 770oz of gold and 510oz of silver. The production of the Zacatecas mine has met Orla Mining’s expectations, as the company produces on average 94,000oz of gold and 597,000oz of silver per year.

Expectations for Green Energy Revolution

“We believe that the green energy revolution is already pointing to an increase in demand for silver and, although other metals will be needed, we think that silver will play a key role. Vehicles, solar panels, electronics and even medicine are just a few of the industrial applications for silver and this list will undoubtedly continue to grow,” explained Avino Silver&Gold Mines LTD’s CEO David Wolfin. He added that silver is an extremely useful precious metal vital for the completion of the 2050 net zero emission goal.